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UK firm Silverstream Technologies and Shell have announced that "successful" trials of a new friction-reducing air lubrication system have been completed, which could lead to bunker fuel savings of more than 5 percent.

The 40,000-deadweight-tonne (dwt) product tanker MT Amalienborg [pictured] is said to have recorded energy efficiency savings of 4.3 percent during a six-month sea trial of the new technology, though Silverstream believes this figure could be increased to more than 5 percent when deployed on a full-bodied vessel with a large flat bottom using a fully optimised system.

Performance monitoring systems are set to continue to monitor the technology's performance over the next year as the MT Amalienborg continues normal shipping operations.

The technology is said to work by producing a layer of small bubbles that reduce friction between the hull and the water, thereby reducing fuel consumption, cutting fuel costs and also helping ship owners meet strict emissions requirements.

According to Silverstream, the technology can be added to a newbuild design, or quickly retrofitted to an existing ship within just 14 days, as was the case for the MT Amalienborg.

Speaking in a press release, Silverstream Technologies CEO, Noah Silberschmidt, called the system a "commercially viable solution for reducing fuel costs and emissions within the shipping industry".

Silverstream collaborated with GM Shell Shipping & Maritime Technology in researching the air lubrication system. The results were verified by Lloyd's Register.

Dr. Adri Postema, GM Shell Shipping & Maritime Technology, stated: "We constantly look for ways to improve our shipping efficiency, both operationally and with innovative technology. Our maritime technical experts worked closely with Silverstream Technologies, Lloyd's Register and a number of other parties to achieve a successful trial of this promising technology."

Johnny Schmoelker, CEO of Dannebrog Rederi AS, stressed the technology's potential benefits in simultaneously limiting costs and reducing emissions:

"Given impending stringent environmental regulations that will further increase operational costs, energy efficiency technologies that can reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions are critical in limiting the bottom line impact for ship owners and operators."

Commenting on the project, Nick Brown, Lloyd's Register's Chief Operating Officer, Marine, said: "Ship owners and operators need to trust the savings and return on investment calculations that manufacturers claim. This trust can only be built by ensuring rigour and transparency within the trial process, to ensure the highest level of accuracy in the projected figures that are communicated to the market. The sea trials for the Silverstream system have been conducted in such a way, with independence ensured throughout."

Image: MT Amalienborg.